God-Touched

Interlude: Sanura

In which Sanura gives her mother a tour of the X-Kids Manor

STMiddle of Week 3. Since Harry has conceded the decor to you, the warehouse has shaped up to be almost exactly the way you wanted it. Still more shipments are on their way, however, and considering how you just got sabbatical and have finished the leather masks you were making… well, you’ve a whole lotta free time and not very many ways to occupy it so far. In contrast, your sacred guardian Crook seems to know exactly what to do with his free time. Currently he’s curled up in the middle of your bed, his head tucked and his back rising and falling in time with his breaths.

SanuraHeaving a great sigh she gets to her feet and looks around her own mostly finished room. She was so pleased with how things had shaped up but she was honestly bored to death now that it was almost done. She prods Crook. "Hey.. " wiggling her finger against his tummy to irritate him into fully waking. “Cro--ok wakie wakie.” she sing songs.

STHe trills softly as he’s woken up, as if saying “Hmmm?” But instead of being irritated, he rolls onto his back, exposing his furry belly for rubs. The fur on his stomach is a little lighter and more orange than on the rest of his body.

SanuraShe smiles faintly “Crook, shouldn’t I be doing something more.. adventurous than decorating or waiting for my abilities to hit me over the head?” she asks as she obligingly delivers light rubs to his belly. She smirks at her new life.. asking her cat for advice.. heavens help her.

STCrook begins purring. Lazily the hieroglyphics swim into view above him. When there is adventure you stay behind and wait… when there is nothing but waiting you wish for adventure. I don’t understand you.

SanuraShe smiles faintly “I don’t understand myself.. besides it’s not that I want adventure it’s more so.. isn’t that what we’re supposed to do? Besides I don’t have anything to do with myself right now and I’m almost always busy with something or other.”

STRight now there are warm sunbeams. Enjoy them on your fur. Or… hide. Whatever.

SanuraShe snirks softly and rises. “you do that kitty, I’ll be back later” She grabs her bag and stuffs her whip and laptop in there. Heading out of the room and towards the exit. Crook is free to follow or laze about as he wishes.

STCrook is indeed content to stay on the warm and comfortable bed… at least for a moment before he suddenly flips over and jumps off the bed. As Sanura opens the door, the sacred guardian darts past Sanura’s feet and out the door… jumping into the arms of a very familiar tall, olive-skinned, dark-haired, well-dressed woman with kohl lining her eyes.

SanuraSanura blinks as Crook dashes past her like his tail is on fire. Following his progress she smiles a little as she realizes why he was so eager. “Hello..” She steps out into the room and gestures to the leather sofa. “it’s good to see you Mother, can I offer you something to drink?” falling back on polite protocol in the face of a surprise visit.

STBastet smiles. “Not for now, thank you.” As she walks into the warehouse, her footsteps silent despite the fact that she’s wearing high heels, she looks around. “This place looks much better since I was last here.” Crook begins purring anew in her arms as she runs her nails lightly across his back.

SanuraSanura looks around “Well yes.. the two .. benefactors of the team made ample funds available to make this place a viable home base for all of us” She adjusts her bag on her shoulder. Her own steps while muted by the carpet are still audible. “It seems I’m staying in San Fransico for the forseeable future..” she purses her lips “if that’s indeed what I’m supposed to do. So far I’ve really just been following Alejo’s orders .. really though shouldn’t I not ask you for your desires in this .. war?” her brow furrows slightly. “That is what you came to me for is it not?”

STThe goddess explores the warehouse, peeking through various doorways. As she does so, her hair spills a little from her head, parting to reveal the large golden hoops that dangle from her ears. “Where are the children?” She looks into the kitchen, then straightens when it’s clear she won’t find what she’s seeking there.

SanuraShe quirks a brow as Bastet goes about searching the place. “Ah.. they’ve been removed to a safe house. They’ll be cared for and kept from harm .. we hope” her lips turn a slight frown. “I didn’t really like leaving their care to others but.. it seems I don’t have much choice in the matter”

STBastet turns towards her daughter, her gold eyes settling on her. “Take me to them,” she says. Her tone is not firm like an order, but neither does it have the upward lilt of a question. No, it’s a mild statement, as if it never occurred to her that she would not be obeyed.

SanuraHer brow furrows faintly “I can.. but.. why?” she questions as she folds her arms over her chest. “and.. why can’t you find them yourself.. being a Goddess and such..” she straightens her spine and studies her mother more closely. Was it truly Bastet.. could Crook be fooled she wonders. She found the sudden interest.. suspicious.

STA smile curves Bastet’s lips. “You /are/ my daughter,” she purrs, her words tinged with amusement. Idly she begins sauntering across the length of the room. “I have been occupied. Once I had a moment to spare, I came to you, expecting the children to be here as well. Take me to them, and then I will answer your first question.”

SanuraShe glances to Crook.. he’d never steared her wrong. She gives a faint nod. She’d lead the way out to her rental car, locking the warehouse securely upon her exit. “So much for sunbeams Crook”

STSunbeams aren’t Bastet. The goddess smiles once more and releases Crook just before getting in the passenger’s side of the car. Crook jumps in and seats himself on the center console between Sanura and Bastet.

SanuraSanura chuckles softly at that and nods her head. “Indeed” She strokes her fingers lightly over the felines head. “Four wheel drive must suck compaired to four stud caravan” she jokes softly before buckling up and then driving towards the safe house. Quiet and mulling over why her mother had this urgent need to see the children.

ST“This is much smoother and quieter,” Bastet says. “I prefer it. Although I do miss the crowds of adulating followers.” She chuckles.

SanuraSanura smirks softly to that. “I guess I can see how that’d be.. flattering” she heaves a faint sigh. “So.. ah.. Mother.. when you have to you know.. defeat a snake god or bash someone that hurts a cat.. how do you do it? I mean.. is it all bite and claw or..?” she nibbles her lower lip slightly after that question, pretty sure it was a little rude. “It’s just well ah I’m not exactly having an easy time figuring out how I’m supposed to be a soldier in this fight. Am I supposed to be actually.. fighting?”

STThe goddess considers this for a moment. “I only use my teeth and claws when the enemy is a worthy foe and cannot be destroyed any other way.” She pauses briefly. “There is more than one way to destroy someone, however. Have you heard the tale of the corrupted priest?”

SanuraShe considers that and then nods her head a little. “Can’t say I enjoyed the level that vengence took..”

ST“That was not vengeance. That was necessary,” says Bastet mildly. “The priest violated both his holy vows—the pacts he made with me—and divine law. I took no insult from it. Some men simply cannot think of anything but their own gains, and that is not something I can help. But I could hardly let him get away with it either.”

SanuraShe purses her lips. "The children though.. " she paused “although I suppose .. had they lived it would be as if one left a Panthress’ cubs without their mother.. they would have been prey..” she offers, trying to find a meeting place between protectress and .. murderess of children.

ST“It was an unfortunate example I had to set. Consequences had to be severe, or else the divine law would degenerate. Had I simply killed the priest, his ill-gotten possessions would have gone to his children, and his children’s children. Imagine how that looks to a good man, one who is desperate to provide for his family. All he needs to do in that case is sacrifice himself. And then the gods would lose respect, then worshipers, then power. And then the Titans would easily ravage the mortals.” She sighs. “Those children’s hearts each weighed lighter than the feather. Only their father’s was heavy.”

SanuraHer lips tighten but she -can- see the logic in what is said. “I .. understand, though I don’t know that I could have done the same” she notes quietly. Her fingers flex on the wheel. “You’re not going to do more of the same when we reach the children are you?” her tone is carefully almost casual.

STBastet turns her golden eyes on Sanura, clearly a little startled at the thought. “Of course not. They have done no wrong. In fact they have been wronged, grossly so. I just wish to ensure their safety.”

SanuraShe nods her head slightly the gentle mark of surprise enough to reasure her. Should it not be as she beleived.. then well she’d cross that bridge when the flood waters hit. She stops circling the general area and truly proceeds on the course to the children.

STThe goddess turns her gaze solemnly to the road. “I’m sorry you think that of me. And I hope you will never be faced with such a decision, lest your children think that of you.” Her words seem genuine, regretful.

ST(( Fast forward to the arrival? ))

Sanura[sure]

SanuraSanura pulls up outside of the house, her own expression one of troubled reflection. She unbuckles her seatbelt as she announces “here we are”

SanuraShe steps from the car and waits for Crook to exit before closing her door. “I’m pretty sure Harry was mimicing a movie of some sort with this place” she notes as she leads the way to the office. Hoping to find someone to check in with to see where the kids are at the moment.

STThere’s a crowd of Scion children sitting near the building closest to the parking lot. Orange safety cones demarcate a course in the mostly empty lot, one which is being navigated by a nondescript silver sedan with decals that state ‘STUDENTDRIVER’

STWell… “navigated” is a generous term for it.

SanuraSanura quirks a brow and gives the driving range a -wide- birth. “Hey guys, a big day huh?” she questions as she tries to make out who’s behind the wheel.

ST“Dennis should never be in control of /anything/ bigger than him, even when he /is/ sober,” states Lise emphatically. Lance laughs. Even Bastet cracks an amused smile.
The car swerves and screeches around the course, knocking over orange cones left and right. It’s clearly going faster than it should. Sure enough, coming around the curve closest to the building, the driver loses control and the car drifts, screeching, far off-course. The kids scatter in a well-practiced manner, leaving only Sanura and Bastet.

SanuraSanura side steps a few feet, glad for her improved grace as of late. Instictively reaching to tug Bastet out of the way, not baring in mind the goddess would likely have herself out of the way much easier. She’d check to make sure all of the children have managed to get out of the way of the vehicle as she releases her hold on Bastet’s arm, should she have gotten hold of it to begin with. Her first steps of retreat had only been enough for the car to miss her by an inch and she is quick to turn and give the driver yet more space..

STBastet does not seem to react in the slightest. And even though Sanura swears that she had a solid grip on her mother not a moment ago, somehow her mother escapes it. In the meantime, the goddess simply stares down the one-ton vehicle hurtling toward her. And—surprisingly enough!—as if it were afraid of incurring her wrath, it slows to a halt just an inch from her, tipping over slightly before righting itself and rocking on its wheels. Smoke rises from the treads laid into the pavement.

SanuraHer eyes widen as she looks at her hand and then between her mother and the vehicle. ".. but.. it was comming right this way.. " she shakes her head slightly. “How ..?” she stammers lamely as she studies the car for some sort of sign of impact.

STThe goddess, choosing not to answer, opens the door in front of her—the passenger’s side—and reaches her hand in, helping out an extremely flustered and frightened-looking Miss Simon. The car itself appears unscathed. The driver’s side opens and Dennis Agresta steps out, a wild grin on his face. Once he lays eyes on Sanura and Bastet, he composes himself and walks around the car.
“Ladies,” he greets. He kisses Bastet’s free hand. She looks on, clearly amused at his presumptuousness. “If I had known there would be such lovely visitors, I would have brought my wine bottle and extra glasses.”

SanuraSanura quirks a brow at that.. “That’s my mother you’re trying to be smooth with kiddo..” she shakes her head slightly. “You really need lessons.. in a football field” she shakes her head softly as she glances to Miss Simon and gives her a slight once over, glad she was only out of sorts and not injured. “So.. I think perhaps a break for everyone.. my Mother wanted to see how you all are fairing” she smiles a little and looks over the children again, curious herself how they’re adjusting and so forth.

SanuraSanura rolls her eyes “right.. work on those lines okay Romeo?” she leaves her mother a moment to speak to Miss Simon. “Sorry to interupt, my mother was quite isistant to see that the children were safe. Is everything going to plan?”

ST“Let the poor woman catch her breath, my kitten,” says Bastet, extricating herself from Dennis’s attentions. Crook, who had stood by Bastet during the near-crash, takes a moment to whap the car’s tire wrathfully. Indeed, his fur is still on end and his tail puffed up to three times its usual size.

SanuraShe blushed faintly, firstly at her own mis step in trying to question the rattled miss Simon and then at her mothers use of a diminutive, endearment though it may be. She clears her throat softly. “yes of course, forgive me” she murmurs to Miss Simon and offers the other woman her arm. “Is there a place we might sit and talk, perhaps get you a cup of tea?” She gives Crooks antics a faint smile, he was such a snooty little fuzball, it was strange how much she’d come to treasure him so quickly.

STMiss Simon nods, still clearly not entirely sure that she’s still alive. “Everyone… let’s have an early lunch.”
The children group up in their usual social circles as they head off towards the compound proper. Lance jogs up beside Dennis and elbows him. Once they think they’re out of earshot, Lance says, “Dude, I can’t believe you just did that. You got balls of steel, man.”
“All in a day’s work, my friend.”
“Shit, and your timing couldn’t be better. All that in front of those two ladies. Mee-ow! I bet they’re impressed.”
They continue chatting like this as they head towards the cafeteria. Miss Simon, on the other hand, takes a moment to regain her wits and confirm that she is, indeed, whole. Finally she straightens, smooths out her blouse with shaky hands, and says, “Right this way,” before starting off down the path after the others.

SanuraSanura smiles faintly and then has to hide a soft snort at the ‘mee ow’ She glances to her mother to see if such had been picked up by her. She sobers and nods softly as she proceeds to the cafeteria. “almost makes me want to swat them for being so disrespectful.. if it wasn’t actually adorable.. kids” she shakes her head faintly as she lifts her chin towards the two boys and then glances to her mother saying quietly. “You will tell me how you did that later right?”

STBastet offers a broad, amused smile in reply.

STOn the way to the cafeteria, Miss Simon takes a brief detour to another building. Within are the children not yet old enough to drive, doing arts and crafts, watched over and guided in cycles by Naomi. Rather, all but one are participating—Brendan, the lone boy, is sulking in a corner, his project untouched. Aida, who’s also helping the others with their projects, briefly checks on him every so often but has clearly given up on getting him to do anything.

SanuraSanura’s brow furrows faintly as she takes note of the boy sulking and she lets Miss Simon do her check in as she walks over and bends at the knees to lower down to the boy’s level. “Hey.. Brendan right?” she questions as she rests her wrist on her knee. “Why aren’t you making something with .. glitter and macaroni or something?” she questions with a faintly teasing smile on her lips.

ST“Because I don’t see the point,” mutters Brendan, shoving the project across the table.

SanuraShe quirks a brow. "the point is to make something unique to share with the world.. " she sighs “though I get the feeling it’s not just crafts that you’re not feeling the worth of lately..” surely he wasn’t so sullen simply due to the project he’d shoved away. She glances at it to see what if anything he’d done.

ST“Right, because the world will become a prettier place full of flowers and rainbows and all the depressed people will be cured and the Father O’Briens and abusive moms will change their ways.” He had torn up some construction paper and broken some popsicle sticks but otherwise had left everything else untouched.

SanuraHer lips tighten and she shakes her head “no.. that won’t happen.. but it could brighten a small corner.” she takes a breath and releases it.. her first instict to question where his mum is and go smack the shit out of her. “You don’t have to worry about that now though.. you’re safe here with Miss Simon.. and if she can’t keep you safe she can call my friends and I..” she reaches out very slowly a fingertip lightly touching his chin trying to catch his gaze with her own. “I will die before I let anyone hurt you again.” her voice is quiet but it’s unquestionable that she means what she says. "you can’t change the past.. no matter how you wish to.. but you can make your future brighter.. " she smiles a little “and maybe with a few flowers and rainbows.. you know if that’s your thing” withdrawing her hand.

STA flicker of doubt flits across Brendan’s features and he looks away as he sees in her eyes just how serious she is about her promise, not able to meet the intensity of her gaze. But he’s clearly still not entirely convinced that arts and crafts is a worthwhile pursuit. “Yeah, right, whatever.” He shrugs her off, rising to join everyone else as they begin to head to the cafeteria. Bastet approaches Sanura after most of the kids have filed out, a small but warm smile on her face. “You’ll make a good mother someday, my kitten.”

SanuraShe blinks softly and sighs as the boy retreats.. still maybe she’d planted a seed in his mind. He shouldn’t have to live in such a dark world, especially when the continued shadows were in his mind. She glances to her mother and blushes. “What.. no.. I just.. er.. thanks” she shakes her head some. “we should get a report on the children” she murmurs quietly, a very tiny smile at the praise from her mother.

STBastet nods and proceeds with Sanura to the cafeteria. Once they arrive, Miss Simon beckons them over to her table, right in the center of the room. Naomi also sits there, flanked by the red-haired and freckled twin girls who contentedly chow down on their lunch.

SanuraShe smiles the girls and Naomi as well. She looks to Miss Simon. “So.. feeling better?” she questions quietly.

STMiss Simon laughs a little nervously. “Well… I survived, didn’t I… but I think next time I’ll let you teach the driving courses, Naomi, like you suggested.”
Naomi gives her one of her trademark small, enigmatic smiles.

SanuraSanura smiles a little to that and nods her approval of that plan. “So.. aside from hormones and .. a marked sadness in Brendan.. is there anything else troubling the kids?” she questions softly as she crosses her legs.

STAs Bastet seats herself, Crook jumps up onto the table proper, again between Sanura and her mother.
“Well… it’s hard. They life they knew before with Father O’Brien was a lie… and they have no one else to turn to. Many of them are still trying to deal with that.” Miss Simon sighs. “Toshi left. I tried to talk him out of going… but he’s 18. He can legally make his own decisions.”

SanuraSanura nods softly "Hopefully the rest will stay till they’ve rebuilt some of their sense of security.. " she frowns softly “No clue where he’s gone? Does he have a phone.. some way to check on him at least?”

SanuraSanura paused “well surely they have.. some sort of.. hmn.. aura from him or something” she glances at her mother. “Could they be used to find him?”

ST“For those who can read the markings of Fate,” replies Bastet.
“Oh, forgive my manners,” says Miss Simon. “I’m Lisa Simon, thank you for assisting me out of that car.” She offers her hand to shake. “Who are you?”
Bastet looks at her hand briefly before her eyes flick to Miss Simon. She offers a smile and gently places her hand in Miss Simon’s. “Bastet.”
“Oh.” There’s a pause as it sinks in. “/Oh./” She nervously shakes Bastet’s hand.

SanuraSanura grimaces faintly “Damn .. terrible manners on my part I’m sorry ladies” she tsks softly and then smiles a little at the womans reaction. She supposed she should still be sort of stunned but oddly it felt right. She considers the answer to her question. “I don’t suppose any of the children can do so? I don’t -think- .. well then again perhaps Uncle Malif..” she taps her lips. “We’ll have to see about this.. He is within his rights to leave but I maintain that as one of those that saved his ass I have the right to check up on him” she nods her head softly to that.

STAfter recovering from the shock and awe, Miss Simon replies to Sanura, “I still don’t know the extent of their… their powers. I don’t even know where to begin finding all that out.”
“That’s why I volunteered,” says Naomi.
“Yes, and I can’t thank you enough, Naomi.”
“Good, because I can only say ’You’re welcome’ so many times.”

SanuraSanura chuckles softly at the exchange and then clears her throat. "So we’ll have to find out who can do what.. and perhaps once they’ve realized the Gods aren’t the monsters under the bed arrange adoptions.. " she glances to her mother. “Do you think you might be able to put some feelers out for that.. when they’re ready I mean?”

ST“That’s the reason I asked you to take me to them,” replies Bastet. She looks to Miss Simon. “If you don’t mind, I would like to speak with them.”
“No, no, of course,” says Miss Simon, once more a little flustered. “By all means.”
Bastet nods and rises, heading over to one of the tables and taking a seat there, leaving Sanura and Crook with Miss Simon, Naomi, and the twins.

SanuraSanura smiles “Wonderful” she heaves a sigh and seems to relax a little bit once her mother leaves the group. “Do you need anything while we’re here? Can I bring anything next time I come by?” she’d make a mental note to come by at least once a week.. when she was able.. and Brendan was getting a cell phone with her number on speed dial.

ST“Oh, thank you, but Mr. Xaxalpa and Mr. Mercury have both provided all of us with everything we could possibly ask for,” says Miss Simon. “And many things I’m not sure what to do with. The security system made me nervous, even though I have access to the camera room. It reminded the children too much of Father O’Brien’s compound.”
“Angela disabled them,” Naomi adds.

SanuraShe nods her head slightly to that and then frowns a little. “Still what if the compound is infringed upon.. you need to have something.. perhaps cameras at the gate at least?” she suggest.

ST“Maybe… I think it’s more important to make them comfortable here for now, though. Toshi leaving was quite a blow to all of us, even though he didn’t speak much to anyone.” Miss Simon rubs the side of her neck uncomfortably.
“Ask Bastet,” suggests Naomi, nodding to the goddess in question. “She’s a guardian. She can set up wards.”

SanuraSanura nods her head softly. “That does make sense.. I’ll just wait till she’s done with the children then.” pausing she looks around for Brendan, wondering if he was eating properly a small frown turning her lips as she considers that boy can’t afford to lose any more weight.

STBrendan is in fact eating, at a table with Aida, Amanda, Divya, and Susan. He’s at the edge of the table, seemingly by choice, and very quiet, keeping his eyes on his tray.

SanuraSanura sighs softly at least he’s eating that’s something. She debates a moment if she should go try and talk to him more.. she decides that he needed a little time, perhaps when she came by to deliver the phone. She returns her attention to Miss Simon and makes small talk while her mother handles what she came there for.

STThe early lunch extends well past the time a normal lunch would have ended as Bastet moves from table to table, engaging the various groups of children in conversation. She manages to elude Dennis’s affections, get Amanda talking about her recent subjects of interest, and teach Denise and Mary-June how to set up and play a game called mancala. Eventually, though, lunch must end and Miss Simon calls for everyone to return to their lessons. Bastet and Sanura end up walking back to the car together. The driving lesson car hasn’t yet been moved from its spot.

SanuraShe smiles faintly as she walks with her mother to the car. “Did you notice the security is disabled.. we were talking Naomi mentioned you might be able to something about the situation.. a ward?” she questions uncertainly. Her mother had yet to explain how she’d stopped that car and she wasn’t sure if it was for lack of time or for not wishing to share her secrets.

STBastet nods, stoops, and touches the parking lot. As she does so, the bracelet Sanura had given her slips down her wrist. Though nothing seems to happen, Sanura’s fine hairs stand up on end. “There. I have placed my brand. I will know if any with ill intent invades these grounds—and I will ensure that they don’t leave alive.” She turns to Sanura. “And now… I have a gift for you, my kitten.”

SanuraSanura smiles at the sight of her gift being worn, she was sure her mother had much more costly trinkets so it meant a great deal to see that. She heaves a releived sigh to that “Thank you mother, I’ll rest much easier.” She looks surprised at that and smiles nervously "Oh.. it’s not nessicary.. " though -clearly- she’s very curious and only trying to be polite.

STThe goddess removes a ring from one of her fingers—a delicate, golden thing, with a small but detailed carving of some sort of wildcat around it. “I had this crafted for you.” She hands it to Sanura. “The creature you see in it is a caracal, a small but graceful and fierce desert cat that lives along the Nile. It reminds me of you.”

SanuraShe looks at the ring and gives a little gasp “Oh mother it’s beautiful” she accepts it and smiles brightly as she slips it onto her finger. “thank you” she murmurs as she admires the ring and then bends to show Crook. “isn’t it lovely?” she expects him to say something snarky about how it’d be better if it were of himself.

STAs Sanura slips it on, a tingle goes up her arm briefly and disappears.
Crook sniffs it, then pulls his nose back as if electrified by a static shock. He looks up to Bastet. When do I get an offering?
“Your gift is coming,” assures Bastet with a smirk.

ST(( Access to Animal (Caracal) and Artistry purviews. ))

SanuraShe gives a soft shiver and then looks at the ring a bit more closely. “it.. is more than just a lovely peice of jewelry isn’t it?” she questions and then shakes her head softly at Crooks outspoken manner even with the Goddess.

STBastet nods. “It has been imbued with power, the spirit of the caracal and the care of the craftsman who made it. You may choose to use it, or to simply wear it.”

SanuraShe smiles and gives a faint nod. “I .. must learn my current abilities first but those sound.. promising to say the least. Thank you again mother, it’s a lovely gift and I’ll treasure it” She paused hesitating a long moment actually before speaking “might you show me how to set those wards? If I’m able I mean..” she casts an aside glance to her mother, knowing when ones home or protected places are invaded seems very useful."

ST“It’s simple.” The goddess takes Sanura’s hand and presses it next to where she placed her own brand and proceeds to instruct Sanura in how to channel her natural protectoress instincts.

SanuraSanura pays attention and gives a grin as she rises. “So if I wanted to test this is lifting the ward the same?” She’d walk with her mum to the car then.

ST“Yes, withdrawing your protection is as simple a matter.”

STAs they approach the car, Bastet halts on the driver’s side. “Thank you, my kitten. This is where we part ways… For now. Soon there will be a meeting amongst the gods about what happened to the children. I want you to be there, as you were key to their rescue.”

SanuraShe smiles a little sadly “It was nice spending time with you mom..” she says almost shyly before straightening. She would protest that she’d not done much in the rescue but it seems ungracious and she only gives a little bob of her head. “I’ll be there” she smiles and brushes her mothers hand lightly. “Take care.”

STBastet smiles warmly, gently traces her daughter’s cheek with a hand, and then kisses the opposite side of her face. With that, she disappears in a swirl of sand and a hot, dry wind.

SanuraSanura smiles and then rubs the corner of her eye. “sand” she murmurs softly as she climbs into the car and waits for Crook to hop in before heading back to the warehouse.